The Centre for Health Protection today said it is looking into 5,038 additional locally acquired COVID-19 cases, of which 1,168 were identified through nucleic acid tests and 3,870 via rapid antigen tests.

Separately, 152 imported cases were found and seven more patients passed away.

Eight residential care homes for the elderly and disabled people logged 14 virus cases involving their residents.

Due to a number of positive cases, 77 specified places are included in a compulsory testing notice. It also covers three specified premises in Tseung Kwan O and Tai Po where some sewage samples tested positive for the virus.

The Government will reopen the mobile specimen collection station at Hung Fuk Estate in Hung Shui Kiu tomorrow.

Since there were positive sewage test results with relatively high viral loads in several areas in Yuen Long, Kwai Tsing, Kwun Tong, Sha Tin and Tsuen Wan districts, the Housing Department will distribute COVID-19 rapid test kits to relevant residents as well as cleaning workers and property management staff working there.

In view of the stabilising local epidemic situation, the centre will adjust its risk communication strategy. The press briefing on updates of COVID-19 cases will be suspended from tomorrow.

For information and health advice on COVID-19, visit the Government’s dedicated webpage.